Cayuga County Surrogate Court Judge Fandrich announces candidacy for 2nd term on bench

Cayuga County Surrogate Court Judge Mark Fandrich, who presided in the recently concluded trial of fired Auburn police officer Brian Hutchings, today announced his candidacy for reelection to a second term.

Fandrich, a 56-year-old Republican, won his first 10-year term in 2001.

In his position, Fandrich oversees the court that handles adoptions, estates, guardianships and trusts. As one of two elected county judges, he also serves as an acting state Supreme Court justice, county judge and Family Court judge.

“I love it. The work is very challenging and rewarding,’’ Fandrich said today.

Fandrich presided at the jury trial of Hutchings, who was convicted last Tuesday of 29 bribery- and official misconduct-related charges in county court. Hutchings faces up to six to 18 years imprisonment at his scheduled sentencing before Fandrich on May 3.

The Surrogate Court position is one of three countywide races to be decided in November. The other seats, both of which carry four-year terms, are for county clerk and district attorney.

County Clerk Sue Dwyer, a two-term Republican incumbent, said she “has every intention of running’’ but had yet to make a formal announcement.

Republican District Attorney Jon Budelmann, who prosecuted Hutchings, did not return a telephone message in time for this story. Budelmann is finishing his first term.

In his reelection announcement, Fandrich praised the people with whom he works and said it is an honor to serve county residents.

There are no other announced candidates in the race for Surrogate Court judge.

Fandrich, an Auburn native, worked as a lawyer for 20 years before becoming judge, served on city council for four years in the early 1990s, and chaired the county Republican Committee.